What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ungear
Example
He had to ungear the machine before he could perform maintenance on it. [ungear: verb]
Example
I need to ungear the bike before I can fix the chain. [ungear: verb]
Example
She decided to ungear herself from all the responsibilities and take a break. [ungear: reflexive verb]
disengage
Example
He had to disengage the lock before he could open the door. [disengage: verb]
Example
She tried to disengage the hook from the fishing line. [disengage: verb]
Example
He decided to disengage from the argument and walk away. [disengage: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disengage is more commonly used than ungear in everyday language. Disengage is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts, while ungear is more technical and specific to mechanical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ungear and disengage?
Disengage is more formal than ungear and is often used in professional or academic contexts. Ungear is less formal and is typically used in technical or mechanical contexts.